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°pbdb is a free-spirited creative unit formed by pianist/composer Misaki Umei and singer-songwriter Fuki Kitamura, dedicated to transcending genre and format in music production. Bringing together their distinct backgrounds, the two artists resonate with one another to pursue a production style that crystallizes ideas the very moment they arise. Their unit name conveys a playful interplay of visual elements and imagination, reflecting their quest to shake up preconceived notions and discover new forms of musical expression. Misaki Umei, a versatile artist steeped in classical and jazz, imbues her music with both a solid technical foundation and contemporary sensibilities. Respectful of tradition yet ever adventurous, her work thrives on the pursuit of unexplored possibilities. Fuki Kitamura is a singer-songwriter who effortlessly navigates a broad spectrum-from lyrical folk to club music. Her vocals and soundscapes combine serenity and intensity, resonating deeply with listeners emotions. In 2023, the pair collaborated on Kitamura's amaranthus feat. Misaki Umei and Umei's hannah feat. Fuki Kitamura, merging their distinct musical identities. Building on the synergy and creative fusion from these projects, they officially formed the unit °pbdb. By transcending genre and form, °pbdb aims for richly layered expression. Their approach is experimental not only in music but also in visuals and concept, shaping a truly multifaceted artistic endeavor.
Born in 2002 in Hyogo, Japan, she began playing piano at the age of four, followed by Electone and composition at six. A series of awards in national piano and Electone competitions led her to pursue formal studies, graduating from Tokyo College of Music with a degree in composition. In 2021, she released an album with her own trio, Misaki Umei Trio, and performed at the prestigious COTTON CLUB in Tokyo. Her solo project launched in 2023, marking the beginning of a new creative chapter. She has performed and recorded with a wide range of acclaimed artists, including Hiromi Uehara, Kendrick Scott, Masaki Hayashi, Takashi Niigaki, Eiko Ishibashi, Ohzora Kimishima, Aina The End, Kayoko Yoshizawa, and Yukkyun. In February 2025, she was selected as a member of Geordie Greep's (of Black Midi) Japan tour. In April, she also joined percussionist Shun Ishiwaka's recital as a featured performer. That same year, she was named one of Rolling Stone Japan's 25 Artists Shaping the Future of Music. While gaining recognition as a leading voice in Japan's new wave of jazz pianists, she also explores genre-crossing projects such as haruyoi with Saka Kanno and °pbdb with Fuki Kitamura, attracting attention for her seamless and forward-thinking musical activities. Her latest single, Tear.:*+, dropped in June, and her debut solo album, Asleep Above Creatures, is set to be released on July 30, 2025. Long Interview: A 22-Year-Old Whose First Language is Piano is on a Borderless Journey https://niewmedia.com/specials/misakiumei
Burst onto the scene in March 2023 with their debut digital single "amaranthus feat. Misaki Umei." Quickly gaining recognition for their unique sound blending dance music, jazz, folk, and electronica, they were invited to perform at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '23 on the ROOKIE A GO-GO stage. Beyond their solo work, they have also made a name for themselves through diverse collaborations and projects: remixing tomggg feat. ena mori's track "Ichigo Miruku," contributing to the soundtrack for the TV drama "Chikyu no Arukikata" (produced by Tomita Lab), and actively DJing under the alias asak. Continued their rise in 2024 with the release of their first EP "500mm," a vibrant exploration of dance music. This was followed by a second appearance at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '24, solidifying their presence in the Japanese music scene. Their talent and hard work were further acknowledged in October 2024 when they received the "Best Breakthrough Artists" award at the TOKYO ALTER MUSIC AWARD.
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